College Park Airport, established in 1909, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating airport in the United States. Located in College Park, Maryland, this airport is not only a significant landmark in the history of aviation but also a fully operational facility that caters to general aviation. Its storied past and continued relevance today make it an interesting study for both aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

### History and Development

College Park Airport was founded by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, making it a site of considerable historical importance in the world of aviation. The airport was originally created as a training location for the first military aviators. This choice was strategic, given its proximity to the nation’s capital, providing easy access for governmental oversight and the demonstration of the Wright brothers’ flying technology to the U.S. military.

In its early years, College Park Airport played a pivotal role in several key developments in aviation technology and pilot training methods. One of the most notable firsts that occurred at this airport was in 1909, when Wilbur Wright trained military officers to fly the government's first aircraft, a Wright Type A biplane. Another significant event was the flight of the first woman by airplane when Wilbur took Mrs. Ralph H. Van Deman on a flight in 1910.

Further cementing its historical significance, College Park Airport is also where the first helicopter mail service was tested in 1947 by the U.S. Postal Service, showcasing the versatility and potential for aviation to revolutionize other industries.

### The Airport Today

Despite its rich history, College Park Airport has evolved to stay relevant in the modern age. It is part of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation and operates as a public airport primarily for general aviation use. The airport features a single runway, 2/20, which is 2,607 feet in length, accommodating small aircraft operations.

The airport is also home to the College Park Aviation Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, which opened in 1981. The museum offers educational programs and houses a collection of historic aircraft and replicas, along with exhibits that detail the history of the site and the broader narrative of early aviation. The museum not only serves as an educational resource but also as a venue for community events and gatherings, integrating the historical airport into the fabric of modern community life.

### Legacy and Cultural Impact

The continued operation of College Park Airport offers a direct link to the dawn of aviation and its evolution over more than a century. It stands as a testament to the endurance of early aviation landmarks and serves as an educational and inspirational venue for those interested in the history and development of flight.

As the oldest airport in the United States, College Park Airport is not just a functioning airport but a cultural heritage site that preserves the memory of early flight innovation and education. The ongoing efforts to maintain and celebrate such a facility demonstrate the value placed on historical preservation and education in understanding the technological advances in aviation.

In conclusion, College Park Airport's designation as the oldest airport in the United States marks it as a notable piece of national heritage. Its storied past, preserved through continuous operation and the establishment of the Aviation Museum, provides insights not only into the history of aviation but also into the broader technological, cultural, and societal shifts that have shaped the 20th and 21st centuries.